éxtasis

Éxtasis is a term that denotes a state of intense joy, delight, or trance. It can describe a powerful emotional peak, a religious or mystical experience, or a moment of artistic or erotic immersion. The word comes from the Greek ekstasis, meaning “standing outside oneself,” and in many languages—such as Spanish or French—éxtasis or extase is used to name this phenomenon.

In religious and mystical traditions, ecstasy refers to experiences in which the person feels union with a divine reality or transcendent truth, frequently accompanied by altered perception, stillness, or fervent emotion.

In psychology and neuroscience, ecstasy is understood as an intense positive affect and self-transcendence that can arise in various contexts, including ritual, music, or intimate moments. It involves widespread activation of neural circuits related to reward, motivation, and social bonding, and it can be associated with altered self-referential processing.

The term is also widely used as the name of a psychoactive drug, MDMA, commonly sold as “ecstasy” or “XTC.” MDMA increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, producing euphoria, energy, and heightened empathy. Short-term risks include dehydration, overheating, anxiety, and adverse cardiovascular or serotonergic effects; long-term effects and dependence are topics of ongoing study. Because it is illegal in many jurisdictions, quality and purity vary.

Medically, MDMA is being investigated for therapeutic use in controlled settings, particularly for post-traumatic stress disorder, with several trials examining safety and efficacy.

Ecstasy as a concept remains central in literature and art, reflecting moments of rapture that are distinct from the drug’s pharmacology.